The word Sarva Anga in Sanskrit means “the whole body”. Since, this asana work on the entire body, it is named Sarvanga Asana. The shoulder is also known as the Queen of all the asanas.
How to Perform:
- Lie down on the yoga mat on your back.
- Slowly lift your both legs and trunk, hips and legs vertically.
- Support the back with your two hands by resting your elbows on the ground and try to support your back with your palms.
- Press the chin against the chest and form a chin lock firmly known as Jalandhar Bandha.
- Allow your back shoulder portion and neck to touch the ground closely
- Maintain the balance of your body and don’t allow the body to shake from side to side.
- Maintain this posture for 30-60 seconds in the beginning and gradually increase the duration as per your capacity.
- Breath normally in the final position.
- Once you finish, slowly bring your legs down on the ground in a graceful manner, without any jerks.
Benefits:
- Stimulates the thyroid and parathyroid glands and normalizes their functions.
- Support to preserve the youth by keeping the spine elastic.
- Helps the yogis who strive to achieve sexual continence.
- Improves circulation of blood to the brain.
- Stretches the heart muscles by returning more venous blood to the heart.
- Cures Constipation, indigestion, diabetes, visceroptosis, varicose veins and menstrual disorders.
- Awakens Kundalini and stimulates the digestive fire.
- Help in achieving the perfect health.
Contraindications:
- Practitioners suffering from abnormal blood pressure, glaucoma, detached retina, chronic thyroid disorders, neck and shoulder injuries must consult a trained yoga expert before performing the shoulder stand.
Tip for Performing Sarvangasana:
This asana can be done every morning and evening. It should immediately be followed by Matsyasana (the fish posture). This will relieve pains in the back part of the neck and enhance the benefits of Sarvangasana.